Compositions for mole control

ABSTRACT

Compositions for mole control comprise an active ingredient capable of repelling moles prepared such that it can be distributed in a solid form over the mole-invaded areas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to compositions for molecontrol that act to repel moles from treated areas. More particularly,it relates to compositions having an active ingredient that can bedispersed in a solid form onto the treated area. Preferably, the activeingredient is castor oil or any suitable castor oil derivatives.

[0002] Moles are both a nuisance and an economic pest. They dig blindlythrough soil creating tunnels to find food. They have a very highmetabolism and must eat a lot. Therefore, they have to find a lot offood and that means a lot of digging. A mole can dig at the rate of12-15 ft. per hour in an average garden or lawn soil.

[0003] The tunnels that moles dig in search of food are just below thesurface and the digging of these tunnels severs roots and causes shrubsand other plants to decline. In addition to their surface feedingtunnels, moles also dig deeper tunnels, called runways, in which theymake their nests and travel through their territory. The soil excavatedfrom these runways is deposited on the surface in the form of mounds ofloose soil called molehills. A mole or two can cause significant damageto a lawn or a garden in short order. They create ground that sinks, andcause the loss of prized perennials and bulbs. In addition, tunnelscreated by moles may provide travel lanes for many species of smallmammals such as voles, field mice and house mice. By enhancing thehabitat of other pests, moles often are indirectly responsible fordamages that these rodents cause to bulbs, seeds and garden plants.

[0004] A life underground may have its reward in that moles have fewnatural enemies. The gardener and the landscaper have tried desperatelyto be a potent mole enemy, but have seemingly failed. Over the years,several methods for mole control have been attempted. For example,trapping has been one of the most effective and practical means forcontrolling problem moles. However, trapping takes time and practice. Inaddition, rather than in runways, more traps are placed in feedingtunnels where they will not catch anything.

[0005] Killing soil insects is another method that has been suggested.Controlling beetle grubs has been a standard mole control recommendationfor years, but in most yards there is usually enough non-grub foodremaining to keep moles thriving. Thus, moles are often present even ingrub-free yards. If all the earthworms, grubs and other soil animals ina lawn are eliminated, by repeated insecticide applications, moles maybe forced to seek other areas. Before moving on, however, moles mayincrease foraging and tunneling activity for several weeks. Moreover,the use of soil insecticides is an expensive approach, but with noimmediate reduction of damage and little likelihood of long termcontrol. In the process, soil insecticides may cause the loss ofbeneficial soil invertebrates and may be a hazard to desirable wildlife.

[0006] Fumigation can be used to control moles in some situations. Gascartridges, which produce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide whenignited, are occasionally effective. Another known fumigant is aluminumphosphide, which is a restricted use pesticide that is federallyregistered as a mole control. One of the drawbacks is that fumigantswill generally be ineffective where soils are porous and dry, or whereextensive feed tunnels are near the ground surface.

[0007] People who have been frustrated with mole damage have tried avariety of home remedies. Some of these include the use of pinwheels,windmills, rose thorns, broken glass, used cat litter, kerosene,flooding, cement or even chewing gum. Unfortunately, most home remediesfail. Several electronic devices have also been marketed, but none haveproven sufficiently effective.

[0008] One method that has been proven to be effective in repellingmoles is the use of a castor oil solution. A homemade concentrate can beprepared by mixing six ounces of castor oil with two tablespoons ofliquid detergent in one gallon of water. This mixture is diluted at arate of one ounce per gallon of water and applied liberally with asprayer. In addition to the homemade formula, there are a few commercialcastor oil based products that have been formulated as a mole repellant.These products are usually available in the form of liquid concentrates.The concentrates are diluted and sprayed according to the manufacturer'sdirection. Some of these products may successfully reduce mole activityin an area for about two months.

[0009] Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks in the application of thecastor oil liquid spray. First, to be effective, castor oil solutionmust be thoroughly watered into the lawn. Over-watering may result in a“run off” of the solution, instead of the solution getting down into thesoil where it needs to be. Second, the areas that receive extensiveirrigation will quickly loose the repellant to leaching. Third, thepreparation and application of the liquid castor oil may be messy. Andfinally, spraying of castor oil solution may wind up damaging turfplants and shrubbery or causing unsightly and smelly foliage.

[0010] A need remains for an effective mole repellant that is easy toapply and incorporated into the soil in the mole infested area Anotherneed remains for mole repellant that stays effective for a long periodof time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In order to address the unresolved detriments of prior molecontrol methods, the present invention contemplates a composition for amole control comprising an active ingredient capable of repelling molesprepared such that it can be distributed in a solid form over the moleinvaded area.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the active ingredientis adsorbed on a solid matrix capable of adsorbing the activeingredient. The active ingredient preferably is castor oil. The castoroil can be a crude extract or refined oil from castor seeds.

[0013] In one feature of this embodiment, the solid matrix is anysuitable adsorbent material that is capable of adsorbing the activeingredient, without substantially reducing its mole repelling effect.Otherwise, the solid matrix is capable of releasing the activeingredient such that its mole repelling effect is restored.

[0014] Preferably, the solid matrix is a coarse-grained material, whichcan be granular clay or fine wood chips. The solid matrix can also be afine-grained material, which includes powdered clay.

[0015] The present invention further contemplates a composition for aslow-releasing mole control comprising an active ingredient capable ofrepelling moles encapsulated in an encapsulating material capable ofreleasing the active ingredient. The active ingredient preferably iscrude or refined castor oil or any castor oil derivative that has a molecontrolling effect.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the active ingredient is in asubstantially liquid form. The active ingredient is captured in theencapsulating material, which preferably is a solid or can be dried intoa solid form. The encapsulating material can be any suitable naturallyoccurring material or synthetic material.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the active ingredient is in asolid form encapsulated in a solid encapsulating material. The solidactive ingredient can be a castor oil derivative or salt. Alternatively,the liquid castor oil can be adsorbed onto a solid matrix, prior to theencapsulation.

[0018] Further, the present invention includes a method for makingcompositions for slow-releasing mole control. The method comprises thestep of providing the active ingredient and the encapsulating material,mixing the encapsulating material with the active ingredient such thatthe encapsulating material completely coats the active ingredient. Themethod may include transforming the active ingredient into a solid formprior to mixing with the encapsulating material. In addition, the methodmay also include the step of drying the encapsulating material.

[0019] The step of transforming the active ingredient into a solid formmay include the step of providing a solid matrix capable of adsorbingthe active material thereon, and adsorbing the active ingredient ontothe solid matrix.

[0020] It is one object of the present invention to provide a solid formof mole repellant. Another objective is to provide a mole repellant thatis effective for a relatively long period of time.

[0021] One further benefit is achieved by features of the invention thatpermit easy application and incorporation in the soil. These and otherobjects and benefits of the invention will be made clear uponconsideration of the following written description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principlesof the invention, the embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in detail. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Theinvention includes any alterations and further modifications in thedescribed compositions and methods and further applications of theprinciples of the invention which would normally occur to one skilled inthe art to which the invention relates.

[0023] The present invention contemplates a composition for a molecontrol, preferably by means of repelling moles from a treated area suchas a garden, a yard or a turf. The composition is prepared such that thecomposition is a solid form.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the compositioncomprises an active ingredient capable of repelling moles and a solidmatrix on which the active ingredient is adsorbed. Preferably, theactive ingredient is castor oil. The castor oil can be a crude extractor refined oil from castor seeds. It does not matter how the oil isextracted from the seeds as long as the oil retains the mole repellingeffect. The active ingredient can be hydroxy-, unsaturated C-18 fattyacid-ricinoleic acid, which is the major component of castor oil. Otherderivatives of castor oil, particularly those that have mole repellingeffect can also be used as the active ingredient. Examples of the castoroil derivatives include hydrogenated castor oil, 12-hydroxy steric acid,undecylenic acid, or ricinoleic acid. It is also contemplated that theactive ingredient may be any other natural or synthetic material thathas a repelling effect on moles. The examples of the natural materialare the extract from roots of castor or the extract from “mole plant”(or gopher purge Euphorbia latthyris).

[0025] Another feature of this embodiment includes the solid matrix thatis capable of adsorbing the active ingredient. It is desirable to useadsorbing material that has high adsorbing capacity. A suitable solidmatrix is a coarse-grained material. The coarse-grained material shouldbe substantially uniform in size to affect the uniformity of adsorbedactive ingredient, and consequently affects the uniformity of therepellant application in the mole-infested area. Preferably, thecoarse-grained material is a granular clay material commonly referred toas “kitty litter”. Other suitable coarse-grained materials include finewood chips, sawdust, straw dust, grass pellets, or fertilizer pellets.Another suitable solid matrix is a fine-grained material that is capableof uniformly adsorbing the active ingredient. Preferably, thefine-grained material is powdered clay. Of course, any other suitablefine-grained material such as flour or bone or eggshell powder can alsobe used. In addition to the naturally occurring material, the solidmatrix can also include other synthetic materials, preferablybiodegradable materials.

[0026] In the embodiment described above, the active ingredientpreferably retains the repelling effect after the adsorption onto thesolid matrix. However, if the active ingredient loses some of itsrepelling effect when it is adsorbed onto the solid matrix, the solidmatrix is capable of releasing the active ingredient to restore the molerepelling effect. This releasing mechanism preferably can be enhanced byhydrolysis. In this way, the active ingredient is released into the soilby repeat watering.

[0027] The present invention further contemplates a method for making acomposition for mole control. The method includes mixing suitableproportions of the active ingredient and the solid matrix together intoa uniform mixture. To mix the Individual components together, amachine-operated mixer may be used. Of course, if feasible, a hand-mixercan also be used. The solid matrix should be put in the mixer first, andwhile the mixer is in the mixing mode, the active ingredient is addedslowly until a uniform mixture is formed. It is important to avoidadding too much liquid active ingredient like castor oil because themixture may turn too clumping. It is desirable to have clumps of thesize of small peas, and not too much larger.

[0028] Alternatively, the composition can be made by soaking the solidmatrix such as fine wood chips in the active ingredient until theadsorbing process ends. Then the excess active ingredient is removed andthe mixture is dried. The mixture can also be sieved through a sizingscreen for uniformity.

[0029] The method may include adding other non-active ingredients thatimprove the attachment of the active ingredient to the surface of thesolid matrix, or adding ingredients that enhance the release of theactive ingredient from the solid matrix. For example, water may be addedto the solid matrix in order to increase the adsorbing ability orpowdered detergent may be included in the composition that has castoroil as the active ingredient. The detergent can help the castor oil tobetter disperse in water, thus improving the distribution of the oilinto the treated soil. Alternatively, a suitable detergent may be addedto the irrigation water to extract the castor oil from the solid matrixsuch that it spreads more evenly in the treated soil.

[0030] Further, the present invention contemplates a composition for aslow-releasing mole control. The composition comprises an activeingredient capable of repelling moles, and an encapsulating material forencapsulating and releasing the active ingredient. The active ingredientpreferably is crude or refined castor oil or castor oil derivatives.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the active ingredient is in asubstantially liquid form. The active ingredient is captured in theencapsulating material, which preferably is a solid or can be dried intoa solid form. Moreover, the encapsulating material is capable of beinghydrolyzed or broken down to slowly release the active ingredient intothe soil. The encapsulating material can be any suitable naturallyoccurring material or synthetic material. The naturally occurringmaterial can be clay powder, or certain castor oil derivatives. Thesynthetic material can be a soluble polymer.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the active ingredient is in asolid form. If the active ingredient originally is in a liquid form, asolidification process can be accomplished by means of a series ofchemical reactions to yield a solid salt that still maintains the molerepelling effect. The solidified active ingredient is captured in theencapsulating material capable of releasing the active ingredient torepel the moles.

[0033] In yet another preferred embodiment, the active ingredient isadsorbed onto a solid matrix capable of adsorbing the active ingredient.The solid matrix can be a coarse-grain material such as granular clay orwood chips, or fine-grained material such as powdered clay or powderedwood. The mixture of adsorbed active ingredient and the solid matrix isencapsulated in an encapsulating material, which can slowly release theactive ingredient.

[0034] The present invention further includes a method for making thecomposition for a slow-releasing mole control. The method comprises thestep of providing the active ingredient capable of repelling moles, andan encapsulating material; transforming the active ingredient into asolid form; mixing the encapsulating material with the solidified activeingredient such that the encapsulating material completely coats theactive ingredient. The method may also include the step of drying theencapsulating material.

[0035] Transforming the active ingredient into a solid form may includethe step of providing a solid matrix capable of adsorbing the activematerial thereon, and adsorbing the active ingredient onto the solidmatrix thereon. Alternatively, the step of transforming the activeingredient into a solid form may include a temporary modification of thephysical property of the active ingredient, which may involve reducingtemperature to a freezing temperature.

[0036] Moreover, the present invention contemplates the addition ofother non-active ingredients to the composition for mole control inorder to enhance the adsorption of the active ingredient onto the solidmatrix, or to enhance the release or the spread of the active ingredientinto the soil. For example, any suitable detergent may be added to thecomposition containing castor oil as the active ingredient so that itcan be solubilized and better distributed when the water is added to thesoil.

[0037] The composition can be applied to mole infested areas by handspreading or by using a mechanical spreader. Any mechanical spreadercommonly used for applying a fertilizer may be used. The composition mayalso be tilled or incorporated into the soil so that it is placed closerthe runway in which the mole makes its nest. In addition, irrigation maybe helpful in facilitate the disbursement of the composition or theactive ingredient in the soil, thus increases mole repelling effect.

[0038] While the invention has been described in detail in the foregoingdescription, the same is to be considered as illustrative and notrestrictive in character. It should be understood that only thepreferred embodiments have been described and that all changes andmodifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desiredto be protected.

[0039] For example, the composition may include the active ingredientadsorbed onto a solid matrix that is made in the form of strips that canbe laid down in the soil along the mole tunnels or inserted right in themole tunnels. In addition, the composition of this invention can also beapplied in combination with insect controls or other mole controlmeasures.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition for a mole control comprising anactive ingredient capable of repelling moles adsorbed on a solid matrixcapable of adsorbing said active ingredient.
 2. The composition of claim1 wherein said active ingredient is releasable from said solid matrix.3. The composition of claim 1 wherein said active ingredient is castoroil.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein said active ingredient is acastor oil derivative.
 5. The composition of claim 1 wherein said solidmatrix is a coarse-grained material.
 6. The composition of claim 5wherein said coarse-grained material is a granular clay material.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein said solid matrix is a fine-grainedmaterial.
 8. The composition of claim 7 wherein said fine-grainedmaterial is powdered clay.
 9. A composition for a slow-releasing molecontrol comprising an active ingredient capable of repelling molesencapsulated in an encapsulating material capable of releasing saidactive ingredient.
 10. The composition of claim 9 wherein said activeingredient is castor oil.
 11. The composition of claim 9 wherein saidactive ingredient is a castor oil derivative.
 12. The composition ofclaim 11 wherein said castor oil derivative is a solid salt.
 13. Thecomposition of claim 9 wherein said active ingredient is adsorbed on asolid matrix capable of adsorbing said active ingredient, andencapsulated in said encapsulating material.
 14. The composition ofclaim 13 wherein said solid matrix is a coarse-grained material.
 15. Thecomposition of claim 13 wherein said coarse-grained material is agranular clay material.
 16. The composition of claim 13 wherein saidsolid matrix is a fine-grained material.
 17. The composition of claim 16wherein said fine-grained material is powdered clay.
 18. A method formaking a composition for a mole control comprising the step of: a)providing an active ingredient capable of repelling moles, and a solidmatrix capable of adsorbing said active ingredient; and b) mixing saidactive material with said adsorbent solid matrix into a uniform mixture.19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of: c) sievingthe uniform mixture through a sizing screen.
 20. The method of claim 19includes the step of: d) providing an encapsulating material; e) mixingsaid uniform mixture with said encapsulating material to form anencapsulated composition; and f) drying the encapsulated composition.